[A] local NHS Trust has been reflecting on the past year and looking to the future at their Annual Members Meeting.
Over 70 members of the public, staff and governors met to discuss the achievements of the past year, and the challenges faced by Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CPFT). It coincides with the publication of the Trust’s Annual Report summary – “Our Year” – which is now available on the Trust’s website.
Interim Chief Executive Stephen Eames spoke at the meeting about the Trust’s vision: “We’re committed to improving the health and wellbeing of people in Cumbria. We are working closely with our partners and with local communities to change the way we deliver care through Integrated Care Communities (ICCs) – joining up health and care services, providing more care out of hospital and supporting people to manage their own health.”
The Annual Members Meeting, which took place on Thursday 28th September in Penrith, reflected on the past year and some of the great work that the Trust has been involved in, including:
- the launch of a new Persistent Physical Symptoms service which helps people manage chronic pain
- the innovative partnership between CPFT and University of Morecambe Bay Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to provide sustainable GP services at Waterloo Practice in Millom
- a collaboration with the Cumbria Police and Crime Commissioner to launch the Multi Agency Crisis Assessment Service, which gives emergency services direct access to a mental health professional to make sure that people in a mental health crisis get the most appropriate care in a timely manner
- the development of the Acute Admissions Pathway which has reduced the number of people sent out of county for acute mental health inpatient care
Jane Smith, Lead Governor and Staff Governor for Allerdale and Copeland spoke on behalf of the Governors’ Council: “Our wonderful governors give so much of their time to keep the needs of the community we live and work in at the front of all we do.
“During the year the governors have appointed an interim Chair and Non-Executive Directors (NEDs). We have looked to strengthen our links with staff through our monthly visits to services and to feedback what we have found to the Board. The NEDs then feedback to us on the progress of actions to make sure improvements are being made.
“This coming year we have committed to going further to help make sure the outcomes are the best for our patients, staff, service users and carers. I encourage you to contact us at [email protected] or on 01228 603761 and let us know your views – without you we can’t present the right solutions that deliver the best care.“
The event also celebrated the hard work of individual members of staff and teams who have won or been shortlisted for national and local awards.
“Our Year” is a summary of the Trust’s 2016/17 performance, including a celebration of our staff achievements. It is available on the Trust’s website, alongside the full Annual Report and Accounts for 2016/17.